Need synergy to end violence against Down syndrome children: Ministry

  Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi said that synergy between the government, families, communities, and the private sector is needed to eliminate violence against children with disabilities, including children with Down syndrome.

“Our responsibility is not only to protect but also to ensure that every child with Down syndrome lives in a safe, inclusive, and accepting environment,” Fauzi said in a statement.

She also called for child protection based on the principles of non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, and respect for human dignity.

She emphasized that children with Down syndrome are part of society and must be respected, protected, and given opportunities to develop optimally.

“Children with Down syndrome are children of the nation who have equal rights to be loved, respected, protected, and given opportunities to grow optimally. They are not objects of pity, but subjects who have potential, dignity, and a future that we must safeguard together,” she said.

The minister explained that children with Down syndrome frequently face stigmatization, discrimination, and even physical and psychological violence.

Based on the 2024 National Survey on Children and Adolescent Life Experiences (SNPHAR), 83.85 percent of children aged 13-17 with disabilities have experienced at least one form of violence during their lifetime.

The survey also shows a significant increase in violence over the past 12 months, from 36.10 percent to 64.57 percent.

“This means more than half of children with disabilities are still living under the shadow of violence. This is a condition we cannot tolerate. When the surrounding system fails to protect them, they become the most at-risk group,” Fauzi said.